Corset.



No. 755,888. PATENTED MAR. 29, .1904.

B. KULL. I

CORSET.

APPLICATION rum) nov. 9, 1903.

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UNITED STATES Patented March 29, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

CORSET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 755,888, dated March 29, 1904.

Application filed No mb 9. 1903. Serial No. 180,310- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BERTHA KULL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Avalon, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented or discovered new and useful Improvements in Corsets, of which the following is a specification.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a human figure wearing one of my improved corsets, while Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same.

My invention, generally speaking, consists in certain new and useful improvements in corsets whereby the breasts and back of the wearer receive sufiicient support Without the undue and injurious confinement of the ordinary corset.

My invention is especially beneficial for persons of large breast development Where support is needed, but at the same time an ordinary corset would be too confining for comfort or health.

While indulging in active exercise, such as housework, a woman frequently finds that while she needs some support for her breasts and back the wearing of an ordinary corset is accompanied by extreme discomfort. In such case my improvements are especially applicable, insomuch as support without confinement is provided for the body of the wearer.

My invention as illustrated by the drawings is described as follows: It consists of a rigid plate 1, preferably of vulcanized rubber or some similar material which is strong, light, and not affected by the perspiration of the wearers body. This plate 1 is provided with two pockets 2 2 for the reception of the breasts of the wearer, such pockets being properly shaped to fit the under sides of the breasts and support the same in a comfortable position. integral with plate 1 and of the same material. From the center of plate 1 I upwardly extend a member 3, adapted to the contour of the body and preferably of the same material as plate 1 and integral therewith. From the upper extremity of member 3 I provide, pref- I prefer to make my pockets erably, side extensions 4: 4:, also curved to fit the contour of the-body.

The rear portion of my corset I prefer to construct in two sections 5 5, which are provided with substantially vertical portions 6 6, which are preferably stiffened by means of steels or whalebone 7 7 Portions-6 6 are of sufficient length to properly support the back of the wearer and are curved to properly fit the back. These portions 6 6 are preferably connected together at intervals, as by means of bands of elastic material 8 8. However, if so desired, portions 6 6 may be provided with eyeholes through which might be run an elastic lacing, or, again, an ordinary corset-lace might be used and the required elasticity obtained from the other elastic portions of the garment.

The upper extremities of portions 6 6 are integral with shoulder-straps 9 9, which pass over the shoulders of the wearer and are adjustably attached in front by-means of studs and eyes 10 10 or other convenient means to extensions 4 4: of upright member 3. 11 11 are web-pieces attached, as shown, to the upper portion of portions 6 6 and the rear of straps 9 9, thus forming a support for the back of the wearer, and also being integral with straps 12 12, which pass under the arms of the wearer and are adjustably attached to the extremities of plate 1 by means of studs and eyes 10 10 or other convenient means. From the lower extremities of portion 6 6 pass waiststraps 13 13, which may be connected in front by means of buckle 14 or other convenient means. 15 15 are elastic bands connecting straps 12 12 with straps 13 13 under the arms of the wearer, and 16 16 are elastic sections, which I prefer to introduce into shoulder-straps 9 9. However, if I so desire, I may construct the back of my corset in the usual manner of solid web,

with or without stiffening, divided in the cen-' ter into two portions,which are connected together by lacing, either plane or elastic, and connect such back portion by means of straps or similar means to the breast-plate 1; but I prefer my open back portion, suitably provided with elastic sections, as shown, inasmuch as such an arrangement not onlyafiords sufiicient support to the back, but because of the arrangement of parts and the elastic portions permits perfect freedom of movement. I find also that such a back portion is much more cool and comfortable for the wearer.

The breast portion of my invention affords sufiicient support without undue confinement, the breasts being held up, but no pressure being exerted on the stomach or abdomen.

It is evident that my corset is of especial Value to women who are indulging in violent exercise or are in a condition wherein pres sure on the abdomen would be injurious.

While I have described my invention with minuteness, as illustrated in the drawings, for the sake of clearness, I-do not wish to limit myself thereby, but claim broadly day of October, 1903.

BERTHA KULL.

Witnesses:

EMELINE RUTrER, EDWARD A. LAURENCE. 

